Input device

Abstract

To provide an input apparatus which can enhance durability of a rotating member.SOLUTION: An input apparatus 2 includes: a rotating member 26 rotating around a predetermined rotation axis 34; and a mover 30 formed with a convex portion 48 projecting toward an inner peripheral surface of the rotating member 26, and moving in a direction different from a rotation direction of the rotating member 26 in response to rotation of the rotating member 26. The rotating member 26 has a first projecting portion 50 and a second projecting portion 52 both projecting toward the mover 30 from the inner peripheral surface. The convex portion 48 of the mover 30 is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34 and disposed between the first projecting portion 50 and the second projecting portion 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device.

Background Art

[0002] An input device is disposed on operation levers such as a turn lever and a wiper lever mounted on a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The input device includes a rotating member, a mover, and an operation conversion mechanism.

[0003] The rotating member is rotatable with respect to the mover about a predetermined rotation axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. When the rotating member rotates in the first direction or the second direction, the operation conversion mechanism converts the rotation of the rotating member into a linear movement of the mover. Depending on the linear movement amount and the linear movement direction of the mover, for example, the lighting and extinguishing of the headlight are switched, or the intermittent operation cycle of the wiper is switched.

[0004] The operation conversion mechanism includes a columnar protrusion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member and a groove formed in the mover. The groove is formed to be inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis of the rotating member. The protrusion is slidably engaged with the groove.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the conventional input device described above, a problem occurs in that the protrusion of the rotating member receives a double-sided load from the groove regardless of whether the rotating member rotates in the first direction or the second direction.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an input device capable of enhancing the durability of a rotating member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a rotating member that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis, and a mover having a convex portion that protrudes toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member, and the mover moves in a direction different from the rotation direction of the rotating member as the rotating member rotates. The rotating member has a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude from the inner peripheral surface toward the mover, and the convex portion of the mover is formed to be inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis and is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the durability of the rotating member can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a rotating member that rotates about a predetermined rotation axis, and a mover having a convex portion that protrudes toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member, wherein the mover moves in a direction different from the rotation direction of the rotating member as the rotating member rotates. The rotating member has a first protrusion and a second protrusion that protrude from the inner peripheral surface toward the mover, and the convex portion of the mover is formed to be inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis and is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0012] According to this aspect, the convex portion of the moving element is formed to be inclined with respect to a predetermined rotation axis and is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the rotating member. Thus, when the rotating member is rotated in the first direction, the first protrusion presses the convex portion, causing the moving element to move in the third direction. At this time, the first protrusion receives a load from the convex portion, while the second protrusion does not receive a load from the convex portion. On the other hand, when the rotating member is rotated in the second direction (opposite to the first direction), the second protrusion presses the convex portion, causing the moving element to move in the fourth direction (opposite to the third direction). At this time, the second protrusion receives a load from the convex portion, while the first protrusion does not receive a load from the convex portion. Therefore, depending on the rotation direction of the rotating member, only one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion receives a load from the convex portion, so that the durability of the rotating member can be enhanced.

[0013] For example, the moving element may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to the predetermined rotation axis as the rotating member rotates.

[0014] According to this aspect, by rotating the rotating member, the moving element can be moved in a direction substantially parallel to the predetermined rotation axis.

[0015] For example, the straight line connecting the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be configured to be inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis.

[0016] According to this aspect, for example, when the rotating member is resin molded, the generation of an undercut portion can be suppressed. Also, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be kept small, and the rotating member can be miniaturized.

[0017] For example, the portions of the first protrusion that contact the convex portion and the portions of the second protrusion that contact the convex portion may each be configured to be spherical.

[0018] According to this aspect, each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be brought into point contact with the convex portion. As a result, the frictional resistance when each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion slides on the convex portion can be reduced, and the operation feeling of the rotating member can be improved.

[0019] For example, the first protrusion may include a first columnar member protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member toward the mover, and a first spherical member formed at the tip of the first columnar member and having a diameter longer than that of the first columnar member. The second protrusion may be configured to include a second columnar member protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member toward the mover, and a second spherical member formed at the tip of the second columnar member and having a diameter longer than that of the second columnar member.

[0020] According to this aspect, for example, when molding the rotating member by resin molding, the mold can be easily operated.

[0021] For example, the convex portion may be configured such that when viewed from the protruding direction of the convex portion, it is formed to taper toward both ends of the convex portion in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis.

[0022] According to this aspect, when viewed from the protruding direction of the convex portion, the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion changes as the rotating member rotates. Therefore, by forming both ends of the convex portion to taper respectively, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be stably slid on the convex portion from one end to the other end of the convex portion. As a result, the movable range of the rotating member can be increased.

[0023] For example, the convex portion may be configured such that when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion, the protruding lengths gradually decrease from the central portion to both ends of the convex portion in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis.

[0024] According to this aspect, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are configured to draw an arc-shaped locus as the rotating member rotates. Therefore, by gradually decreasing the protruding length of the convex portion from the central portion to both end portions of the convex portion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be stably slid on the convex portion from one end portion to the other end portion of the convex portion. As a result, the movable range of the rotating member can be increased.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept are described as optional components.

[0027] (Embodiment) [1. Overview of Input Device] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overview of the input device 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 4 equipped with the input device 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the input device 2 according to the embodiment.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a steering column 6 is mounted on the driver's seat of the vehicle 4. The steering column 6 is disposed between the steering wheel 8 and the dashboard 10. The vehicle 4 is an automobile such as a passenger car, a bus, or a truck, for example. Note that the vehicle 4 is not limited to an automobile and may be a construction machine or an agricultural machine, for example.

[0029] A turn lever 12 and a wiper lever 14 are tiltably supported on the steering column 6. The turn lever 12 is disposed on the right side as viewed from the driver, and the wiper lever 14 is disposed on the left side as viewed from the driver.

[0030] The turn lever 12 is, for example, a combination switch lever having a) a turn signal switch for flashing a turn signal lamp, b) a lighting switch for switching on / off the headlamp, small lamp (side marker lamp), fog lamp, and tail lamp, c) a passing switch for passing-on the headlamp, and d) a dimmer switch for switching between the high beam and low beam of the headlamp, etc.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the turn lever 12 has a lever body 16 and an input device 2. The lever body 16 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The input device 2 has a pair of rotary switches 18, 20. The pair of rotary switches 18, 20 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the lever body 16. The rotary switch 18 is, for example, a lighting switch for switching on / off the headlamp, small lamp, and tail lamp. The rotary switch 20 is, for example, a lighting switch for switching on / off the fog lamp.

[0032] The wiper lever 14 is, for example, a combination switch lever having a) a front wiper switch for operating the front wiper, b) a front washer switch for spraying washer fluid onto the front glass, c) a rear wiper switch for operating the rear wiper, and d) a rear washer switch for spraying washer fluid onto the rear glass, etc. Although not shown, the wiper lever 14 has an input device, similar to the turn lever 12.

[0033] [2. Configuration of Input Device] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, the configuration of the input device 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the input device 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the input device 2 according to the embodiment with the outer knob 22 and the rotor member 24 omitted. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the input device 2 according to the embodiment with the outer knob 22 and the rotor member 24 omitted. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the operation conversion mechanism 32 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the operation conversion mechanism 32 according to the embodiment as viewed from an angle different from FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the mold opening direction when resin-molding the rotating members 26(26A, 26B) according to the embodiment and the positions of the first protrusions 50(50A, 50B) and the second protrusions 52(52A, 52B).

[0034] In addition, in each of the figures after FIG. 3, the width direction of the input device 2 is defined as the X-axis direction, the depth direction of the input device 2 is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the height direction of the input device 2 is defined as the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The pair of rotary switches 18, 20 of the input device 2 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, only the configuration of the rotary switch 20 in the input device 2 will be described.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rotary switch 20 of the input device 2 includes an outer knob 22, a rotor member 24, a rotating member 26, a substrate 28, a mover 30, and an operation conversion mechanism 32.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer knob 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed on the outermost side in the radial direction of the turn lever 12. The outer knob 22 is rotatably supported by the lever body 16. More specifically, the outer knob 22 is rotatable with respect to the lever body 16 about a predetermined rotation axis 34 in a first direction (the direction indicated by arrow P in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second direction (the direction indicated by arrow Q in FIGS. 2 and 3) that is opposite to the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the predetermined rotation axis 34 is an imaginary straight line that passes through the radial center of the lever body 16 and extends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the lever body 16.

[0038] For example, when the driver manually rotates the outer knob 22 in the first direction, the fog lamp of the vehicle 4 is turned on. On the other hand, when the driver manually rotates the outer knob 22 in the second direction, the fog lamp of the vehicle 4 is turned off.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotor member 24 is a member for supporting the rotating member 26. The rotor member 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer knob 22. A positioning slit 36 is formed in the rotor member 24. The rotor member 24 rotates integrally with the outer knob 22 about a predetermined rotation axis 34.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating member 26 is formed of, for example, resin and is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the rotor member 24. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the rotating member 26 has a main body portion 38 and an engaging portion 40.

[0041] The main body portion 38 is formed in an arc-shaped cross-section. The engaging portion 40 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 38 toward the rotor member 24 and is engaged with the slit 36 of the rotor member 24. Thereby, the main body portion 38 is positioned with respect to the rotor member 24 and rotates integrally with the rotor member 24 and the outer knob 22. More specifically, the main body portion 38 (rotating member 26) rotates with respect to the mover 30 about a predetermined rotation axis 34 in a first direction (the direction indicated by arrow P in FIGS. 3 to 5) and a second direction (the direction indicated by arrow Q in FIGS. 3 to 5).

[0042] The substrate 28 is disposed inside the lever main body 16. A plurality of electrode pads 42 are formed on the substrate 28. Each of the plurality of electrode pads 42 is electrically connected via an electric wire (not shown) to various electrical components (not shown) such as a turn signal lamp, a headlamp, a small lamp, a fog lamp, and a tail lamp mounted on the vehicle 4.

[0043] The mover 30 is disposed between the rotating member 26 and the substrate 28. The mover 30 has a mover main body 44 and a plurality of contact members 46. The mover main body 44 is movably supported by a guide member (not shown) disposed inside the lever main body 16. The mover main body 44 linearly moves along the guide member substantially parallel to a predetermined rotation axis 34 (that is, in a direction different from the rotation direction of the rotating member 26). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the mover main body 44 (mover 30) linearly moves with respect to the rotating member 26 along a predetermined rotation axis 34 in a third direction (the direction indicated by arrow U in FIG. 5) and a fourth direction (the direction indicated by arrow V in FIG. 5) which is the opposite direction to the third direction. In this specification, "substantially parallel" is a concept that includes not only complete parallelism but also a range within, for example, ±10° with respect to the completely parallel direction.

[0044] The plurality of contact members 46 are attached to the surface of the mover body 44 facing the substrate 28. Each of the plurality of contact members 46 is in electrical contact with a plurality of electrode pads 42 formed on the substrate 28. The electrical connection relationship between the plurality of contact members 46 and the plurality of electrode pads 42 changes according to the moving direction of the mover 30. Thereby, for example, when the mover 30 linearly moves in the third direction, the fog lamp of the vehicle 4 lights up, and when the mover 30 linearly moves in the fourth direction, the fog lamp of the vehicle 4 turns off.

[0045] The operation conversion mechanism 32 is a mechanism for converting the rotation of the rotating member 26 into the linear movement of the mover 30. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation conversion mechanism 32 has a convex portion 48 formed on the mover 30, and a first protrusion 50 and a second protrusion 52 formed on the rotating member 26.

[0046] The convex portion 48 is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the mover body 44 facing the rotating member 26 toward the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 38 of the rotating member 26. As shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 48 is formed to be inclined with respect to a predetermined rotation axis 34, and is disposed between the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 of the rotating member 26. The convex portion 48 is formed in a substantially sickle-shaped cross section, and has a top surface 48a, a first side surface 48b, and a second side surface 48c opposite to the first side surface 48b.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the top surface 48a of the convex portion 48 is curved in an arc shape along the direction inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34. That is, when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion 48 (the direction perpendicular to the first side surface 48b and the second side surface 48c), the convex portion 48 is formed such that the protruding lengths from the central portion of the convex portion 48 toward both ends gradually decrease in the direction inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34.

[0048] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the protruding direction (Z-axis direction) of the convex portion 48, the convex portion 48 is formed to taper toward both ends of the convex portion 48 in the direction inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first protrusion 50 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 38 toward the mover 30. The first protrusion 50 has a first columnar member 54 and a first spherical member 56. The first columnar member 54 is formed in a substantially columnar shape and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 38 toward the mover 30. The first spherical member 56 is formed in a spherical shape and is disposed at the tip of the first columnar member 54. The diameter of the first spherical member 56 is longer than the diameter of the first columnar member 54. The first spherical member 56 is disposed to face the first side surface 48b of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30. When the rotating member 26 rotates in the first direction, the first spherical member 56 contacts (point contact) the first side surface 48b of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30. That is, the portion (the first spherical member 56) that contacts the convex portion 48 of the first protrusion 50 is formed in a spherical shape.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second protrusion 52 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 38 toward the mover 30. The second protrusion 52 has a second columnar member 58 and a second spherical member 60. The second columnar member 58 is formed in a substantially columnar shape and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 38 toward the mover 30. The second spherical member 60 is formed in a spherical shape and is disposed at the tip of the second columnar member 58. The diameter of the second spherical member 60 is longer than the diameter of the second columnar member 58. The second spherical member 60 is disposed to face the second side surface 48c of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30. When the rotating member 26 rotates in the second direction, the second spherical member 60 contacts (point contact) the second side surface 48c of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30. That is, the portion (the second spherical member 60) that contacts the convex portion 48 of the second protrusion 52 is formed in a spherical shape.

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a straight line 62 connecting the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 is inclined with respect to a predetermined rotation axis 34.

[0052] Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the relationship between the mold opening direction when resin-molding the rotating member 26 (26A, 26B) and the positions of the first protrusion 50 (50A, 50B) and the second protrusion 52 (52A, 52B) will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the mold opening direction is substantially parallel to the predetermined rotation axis 34 will be described.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the rotating member 26 according to the embodiment, the straight line 62 connecting the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 is inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34. In this case, when the mold is opened, an undercut portion that cannot be demolded does not occur.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8(b), in the rotating member 26A according to Comparative Example 1, the straight line 62A connecting the first protrusion 50A and the second protrusion 52A is parallel to the predetermined rotation axis 34. In this case, when the mold is opened, an undercut portion 64 that cannot be demolded is generated.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8(c), in the rotating member 26B according to Comparative Example 2, the straight line 62B connecting the first protrusion 50B and the second protrusion 52B is perpendicular to the predetermined rotation axis 34. In this case, when the mold is opened, an undercut portion that cannot be demolded does not occur. However, in this case, the distance D1 between the first protrusion 50B and the second protrusion 52B in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined rotation axis 34 is longer than the distance (the distance between the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 in the direction perpendicular to the predetermined rotation axis 34) in the configuration of FIG. 8(a), and the rotating member 26B becomes larger by that amount.

[0056] From the above, as shown in FIG. 8(a), it is preferable that the straight line 62 connecting the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 is inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34. Thereby, when resin-molding the rotating member 26, the generation of an undercut portion can be suppressed. In addition, the distance between the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 can be kept small, and the rotating member 26 can be downsized.

[0057] [Operation of the Motion Conversion Mechanism] With reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, the operation of the motion conversion mechanism 32 will be described. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the motion conversion mechanism 32 according to the embodiment when the rotating member 26 is rotated in the first direction. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the motion conversion mechanism 32 according to the embodiment taken along the line X-X of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the motion conversion mechanism 32 according to the embodiment when the rotating member 26 is rotated in the second direction. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the motion conversion mechanism 32 according to the embodiment taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 11.

[0058] First, as shown in FIG. 9, the case where the rotating member 26 is rotated in the first direction (the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 9) will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the first spherical member 56 of the first protrusion 50 of the rotating member 26 slides on the first side surface 48b of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30 from one end portion to the other end portion of the convex portion 48 in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 10) while pressing the first side surface 48b of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30. The mover 30 linearly moves in the third direction (the direction indicated by the arrow U in FIG. 9) by receiving the pressing force from the first spherical member 56 of the first protrusion 50. Since the first spherical member 56 makes point contact with the first side surface 48b of the convex portion 48, the frictional resistance when the first spherical member 56 slides on the first side surface 48b of the convex portion 48 can be reduced, and the operation feeling of the rotating member 26 can be improved.

[0059] At this time, a gap (not shown) is formed between the second spherical member 60 of the second protrusion 52 and the second side surface 48c of the convex portion 48. Therefore, when the rotating member 26 is rotated in the first direction, the first spherical member 56 of the first protrusion 50 receives a load from the convex portion 48, but the second spherical member 60 of the second protrusion 52 does not receive a load from the convex portion 48.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the case where the rotating member 26 is rotated in the second direction (the direction indicated by arrow Q in FIG. 11) will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the second spherical member 60 of the second protrusion 52 of the rotating member 26 slides on the second side surface 48c of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30 from the other end portion toward the one end portion in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined rotation axis 34 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 12) while pressing the second side surface 48c of the convex portion 48 of the mover 30. The mover 30 linearly moves in the fourth direction (the direction indicated by arrow V in FIG. 11) by receiving the pressing force from the second spherical member 60 of the second protrusion 52. Since the second spherical member 60 makes point contact with the second side surface 48c of the convex portion 48, the frictional resistance when the second spherical member 60 slides on the second side surface 48c of the convex portion 48 can be reduced, and the operation feeling of the rotating member 26 can be improved.

[0061] At this time, a gap (not shown) is formed between the first spherical member 56 of the first protrusion 50 and the first side surface 48b of the convex portion 48. Therefore, when the rotating member 26 is rotated in the second direction, the second spherical member 60 of the second protrusion 52 receives a load from the convex portion 48, but the first spherical member 56 of the first protrusion 50 does not receive a load from the convex portion 48.

[0062] As described above, the mover 30 linearly moves in a direction substantially parallel to the predetermined rotation axis 34 as the rotating member 26 rotates.

[0063] [4. Effects] While explaining the configuration of the operation conversion mechanism 100 according to the comparative example, the effects obtained by the input device 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the operation conversion mechanism 100 according to the comparative example.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, the operation conversion mechanism 100 according to the comparative example includes a columnar protrusion 104 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member 102 and a groove portion 108 formed in the mover 106. The groove portion 108 is formed to be inclined with respect to a predetermined rotation axis 110 of the rotating member 102. The protrusion 104 is slidably engaged with the groove portion 108 and is in contact (line contact) with each of a first inner surface 108a and a second inner surface 108b (a surface facing the first inner surface 108a) of the groove portion 108.

[0065] When the rotating member 102 is rotated in a first direction (the direction indicated by arrow P in FIG. 13), the protrusion 104 slides on the first inner surface 108a of the groove portion 108 from one end portion to the other end portion while pressing the first inner surface 108a of the groove portion 108. The mover 106 linearly moves in a third direction (the direction indicated by arrow U in FIG. 13) by receiving the pressing force from the protrusion 104.

[0066] When the rotating member 102 is rotated in a second direction (the direction indicated by arrow Q in FIG. 13), which is the direction opposite to the first direction, the protrusion 104 slides on the second inner surface 108b of the groove portion 108 from the other end portion to the one end portion while pressing the second inner surface 108b of the groove portion 108. The mover 106 linearly moves in a fourth direction (the direction indicated by arrow V in FIG. 13), which is the direction opposite to the third direction, by receiving the pressing force from the protrusion 104.

[0067] However, in such a configuration, regardless of whether the rotating member 102 rotates in the first direction or the second direction, the protrusion 104 of the rotating member 102 receives a double-sided load from the groove portion 108. Therefore, there arises a problem that the durability of the protrusion 104 of the rotating member 102 (for example, the durability of the fracture life) decreases.

[0068] On the other hand, in the operation conversion mechanism 32 of the input device 2 according to the embodiment, the convex portion 48 of the mover 30 is formed to be inclined with respect to a predetermined rotation axis 34 and is disposed between the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 of the rotating member 26. Thus, when the rotating member 26 is rotated in the first direction, the first protrusion 50 presses the convex portion 48, causing the mover 30 to move in the third direction. At this time, the first protrusion 50 receives a load from the convex portion 48, while the second protrusion 52 does not receive a load from the convex portion 48.

[0069] On the other hand, when the rotating member 26 is rotated in the second direction, the second protrusion 52 presses the convex portion 48, causing the mover 30 to move in the fourth direction. At this time, the second protrusion 52 receives a load from the convex portion 48, while the first protrusion 50 does not receive a load from the convex portion 48.

[0070] Therefore, depending on the rotation direction of the rotating member 26, only one of the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 receives a load from the convex portion 48, so that the durability of the rotating member 26 (for example, the durability of the fracture life) can be enhanced.

[0071] Further, when viewed from the protruding direction (Z-axis direction) of the convex portion 48, the distance between the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 changes as the rotating member 26 rotates. Specifically, when viewed from the protruding direction of the convex portion 48, the distance between the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 is maximum when the rotation position of the rotating member 26 is at the center of the rotation range, and gradually decreases as the rotation position of the rotating member 26 approaches both ends of the rotation range. Therefore, as described above, by forming both ends of the convex portion 48 to be tapered, the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 can be stably slid on the convex portion 48 from one end to the other end of the convex portion 48. As a result, the movable range of the rotating member 26 can be increased.

[0072] Further, the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 are configured to draw an arc-shaped locus as the rotating member 26 rotates. Therefore, as described above, by gradually decreasing the protruding length of the convex portion 48 from the central portion to both end portions of the convex portion 48, the first protrusion 50 and the second protrusion 52 can be stably slid on the convex portion 48 from one end portion to the other end portion of the convex portion 48. As a result, the movable range of the rotating member 26 can be increased.

[0073] (Other Modification Examples) As described above, the input device according to one or more aspects has been described based on the above-described embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art applied to the above-described embodiments, or forms constructed by combining components in different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the input device 2 is applied to the combination switch lever of the vehicle 4. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be applied to an operation lever of a consumer device or an industrial device.

Industrial Applicability

[0075] The input device according to the present disclosure can be applied, for example, as a combination switch lever mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] 2 Input Device 4 Vehicle 6 Steering Column 8 Steering Wheel 10 Dashboard 12 Turn Lever 14 Wiper Lever 16 Lever Body 18, 20 Rotary Switch 22 Outer Knob 24 Rotor Member 26, 26A, 26B, 102 Rotating member 28 Substrate 30, 106 Mover 32, 100 Motion conversion mechanism 34, 110 Predetermined rotation axis 36 Slit 38 Body portion 40 Engagement portion 42 Electrode pad 44 Mover body 46 Contact member 48 Protrusion 48a Top surface 48b First side surface 48c Second side surface 50, 50A, 50B First protrusion 52, 52A, 52B Second protrusion 54 First column member 56 First spherical member 58 Second column member 60 Second spherical member 62, 62A, 62B Straight line 64 Undercut portion 104 Protrusion 108 Groove portion 108a First inner surface 108b Second inner surface

Claims

1. A rotating member that rotates about a predetermined axis of rotation, A mover having a convex portion protruding toward the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member, the mover moving in a direction different from the rotation direction of the rotating member as the rotating member rotates, and The rotating member has a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the inner peripheral surface toward the mover, The convex portion of the mover is formed such that the longitudinal direction of the surface of the convex portion when viewed from the protruding direction of the convex portion is inclined with respect to the predetermined axis of rotation, and the convex portion of the mover is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, A straight line connecting the first protrusion and the second protrusion is inclined with respect to the predetermined axis of rotation An input device.

2. The portion of the first protrusion that contacts the convex portion and the portion of the second protrusion that contacts the convex portion are each formed in a spherical shape The input device according to claim 1.

3. The first protrusion A first columnar member protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member toward the mover, A first spherical member formed at the tip of the first columnar member and having a diameter longer than the diameter of the first columnar member, and The second protrusion A second columnar member protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member toward the mover, A second spherical member formed at the tip of the second columnar member and having a diameter longer than the diameter of the second columnar member The input device according to claim 2.

4. The convex portion is formed to taper toward both ends of the convex portion in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined axis of rotation when viewed from the protruding direction of the convex portion The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The convex portion is formed such that the protruding lengths gradually decrease from the central portion to both ends of the convex portion in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined axis of rotation when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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